Photo TR: Chuck Goes Down Under with TPR

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

Chapter 4--The Only Park I Know that Has a Sheep-Shearing Demonstration: Dreamworld

After getting soaked at Wet 'n' Wild, the soaking continued in the form of rain at our next park: Dreamworld. This attraction was the brainchild of John Longhurst, who had been inspired by Disneyland in California and started building the park in 1974. It opened in 1981.

The Disney influence is pretty obvious, thanks to the "Main Street" style entrance--there's even a sternwheeler paddle boat and a "homage" to Frontierland. But Dreamworld also has extensive, and well-done, animal exhibits, including not only the usual assortment of Aussie critters, but tigers, as well.

This is the best park we visited, and despite the rain, the staff made us feel welcome and ensured that we'd have a great day. Although the rain delayed the opening of some attractions, there was plenty to keep everyone occupied until they opened. The coaster lineup doesn't stand out, but there are at least two unique rides.

Tower of Terror 2--This backwards Intamin launched shuttle was Escape from Krypton before there was, well, Escape from Krypton. The launch isn't as fast as its cousin's in Valencia, and it doesn't climb as high up the spike; but it makes up for this with a great tunnel section with light effects.

Mick Doohan's Motocoaster--I liked this Intamin tire-propelled coaster with motorcycle trains (the course is fun); the restraints are a bit awkward and uncomfortable, though.

Cyclone--This is the old Arrow loopscrew that used to be at Luna Park Sydney. It's fairly rough (more so than Sea Viper at Sea World), but it's hardly the worst Arrow ride anywhere. The theming--some sort of experimental "cyclone generator"--is interesting, at least.

Runaway Reptar--A kiddle Vekoma SLC with OTSRs. 'Nuff said on that.

There's a fun laser tag arena (Alien v. Predator v. You), a good assortment of flats and kids rides, a surprisingly dry rapids ride (toned down for the rainy day, perhaps), and solid theming throughout (again, a good "Old West" section). We didn't hit the water park, but our guide described it as a "Pro Slide showroom."

And let's not forget The Big Drop--the tallest drop ride in the world! Oh, and the sheep-shearing demo, which we, unfortunately, missed.

All in all, another solid park that treated us very well.

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

Prepare yourselves for adorable animal pictures. Remember--you have been warned!

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

I really think I enjoyed the Dreamworld Animal area as much as the Australia Zoo. Plus that freakin 11 month old Koala is just possibly the cutest thing on Earth. Even though it's claws already look like they could rip your flesh off pretty good.

[jray21Why do I still have a donkey title???]

What an awesome report! Amy doesn't talk too much (I know, huge surprise ) so it's nice to actually see everything! Incredible captions as well. So how was the world's tallest drop?

[roberthaaseI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Hey Chuck, great pics of Dreamworld. It looks as you all had fun.

[originalI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

That guy who spoke to you in the beginning of those photos is Bob Tan and he's also in charge of new rides coming to the park! Also the exit of the Cyclone use to be the entrance and what is now the entrance use to be the exit been like that for a couple of years now.
On another photo I saw another talking to your group and he was one of the guy out of the Dreamworld Insiders that upload videos onto the parks Facebook page about whats going on and coming to the park.
I gotta agree Motocoaster's restraints, do get uncomfortable especially when you put them really tight, but I also find the ride get's rather slow towards the end, rumours were it was going to have a second launch like JetRescue but it never happened.
I want to know what you guys thought of The Claw and Wipeout compared to other version especially bigger versions of The Claw in the US.
I agree I like DW but I do feel it had a better feeling to it some years ago, what I mean is main street had more subtle Aussie colours, rather than the bright colours now and where Motocoaster is the Avis Cars used to be there with proper themed station and paddle steamer next to wasn't painted the bright colours and you would travel around it to watch the Bushranger Show which was a great experience. Along with the Goldrush area really buzzing with the mine ride going, however rumours are the next thrill ride will be placed in Gold Rush which should see some life over towards that area of the park.

[amyzoo2 + 2 = donkey!]

I really liked Dreamworld. The little baby koala is so cute! I'm sad I missed seeing the tiger drive by in the back of the truck.

[djrappaWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

^
^
my head hurts...

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

What an awesome report! Amy doesn't talk too much (I know, huge surprise ) so it's nice to actually see everything! Incredible captions as well. So how was the world's tallest drop?

I liked it a lot; others preferred Blue Fall at Sea Paradise in Japan (another excellent drop ride). I think the only drop ride I dislike is SFA's (go figure). Big Drop was my favorite ride at Dreamworld.

Original, thanks for the heads up about the Bob Tan's name. I'm good with faces, but terrible with names. I'm not a flat-ride person, but I did ride the Claw in the rain. A good, long cycle as I recall (definitely more than enough for me). I didn't ride Wipeout.

[disneymocBeware of the Magic Donkey at Lotte World!]

Great trip report!!!

Thanks for getting Hot Potato stuck in my head! I don't hear it enough at home.